RE: [Elecraft] Should You Built It? Not necessarily
Posted for Julian (Our SPAM engine caught him..) Eric --- Subject:RE: [Elecraft] Should You Built It? Not necessarily From:"Julian, G4ILO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date:Thu, 31 Mar 2005 12:05:10 +0100 To:Elecraft List Perhaps "bonding" is the wrong word. But when you build a radio (or anything else on which you lavish time and care, like a model or a piece of furniture) it's not just something you bought: it represents a little bit of your life as well. If you sell it, you may get back the money you paid, but you never get anything for what you put into it. I had an FT-817. I wasn't using it much, so I sold it 3 years ago. I didn't feel sentimental about it at all, it was just an investment that wasn't giving a useful return on what I paid for it. (When Elecraft announced the T1, I bought another one, and got a new ND for the price I sold the old one. Sell hi gh, buy low, why can't I manage to do that with the sto ck market ? ) I wouldn't sell the K2, even if I wasn't using it, because it's more to me than just the money I paid for the kit. It's the time and effort I put into it, it's the first real radio I ever built, it's the pleasure I felt with the first contacts I made with it and I could never get any of that that back by just buying another, even though it would have all the mods and updates that are too difficult for me to add to this one. 73, -- Julian, G4ILO (RSGB, ARRL) G4ILO's Shack: http://www.tech-pro.net/g4ilo "EricJ" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'm sorry, but the idea of "bonding" with inanimate objects is beyond my understanding. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Should You Built It? Not necessarily
EricJ wrote: I'm sorry, but the idea of "bonding" with inanimate objects is beyond my understanding. I disagree. My K2 is no. 709, and has been around for a few years. Since I built it, I have taken it apart what seems to me a thousand times (probably it wasn't really quite so many). I've fixed construction errors and made every modification (and unmade some of them) that could even slightly improve CW performance. I've tried out other people's and my own ideas. In doing so I have taken Wayne and Eric's radio and in a small way made it MY radio. As far as learning, I didn't learn much by simply following the instructions to build it. However, the process of tweaking it, making and evaluating modifications, etc., has been very educational. Although I recognize its limitations (there are some) and wouldn't mind owning an Orion or an FT1KMP (with the required mods, of course), I don't think I will ever let the K2 go. If this isn't bonding in some sense, I don't know what is. If you want to build one, fine. But if you don't, get someone else to do it. Either way, you end up with one of the best radios in its class to enjoy ham radio. And that's the point. And with that I completely agree. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Should You Built It? Not necessarily
There are (at least) three types of people on this list: - those who take pride in what they build - those who take pride in what they operate - those who take pride in both Count me in the third category. I thoroughly enjoyed the building process, and have no fear of having to dig into my K2 if I need to fix it. In fact, I had to fix it about 3-4 weeks after I finished it succesfully because my PLL crystal was flaking out. It is my only HF transceiver, and will continue to remain so until Elecraft releases something even better. Would I ever part with my K2? No - because I built it (I happen to be attached to #3421). Unless I was in dire financial need, I doubt I'd sell it, because it is about the cheapest form of active 'entertainment' I own. When I bought the K2, it was with the intention of it being my only radio for a very long time - and it can go just about anywhere I need to go - home, car-camping, picnic table portable - and it is an ideal field day radio (my favorite activity). My 2 cents, Daniel AA0NI --- EricJ <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I'm sorry, but the idea of "bonding" with inanimate objects is beyond my > understanding. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Should You Built It? Not necessarily
I'm sorry, but the idea of "bonding" with inanimate objects is beyond my understanding. I built my K1. It is a fine little radio. Better than anything I could buy manufactured in its class. That's why I bought it. I would part with it in a heartbeat if something that better suited my needs became available, but there isn't anything right now. That seems to be the thinking of everyone on ebay.com, the QRP-L list and even this list who have put their K1 or K2 up for sale. They aren't selling it because they failed to bond with it. They are selling it because it no longer suits their needs (technical, financial, tastes, whatever). And used K1/K2's command a high price...higher than similar rigs. That's because they work so well. The second owner isn't interested in bonding with a radio. They are interested in using it. And it better perform. These radios DO. I built my K1 as a test of my interest in building a K2. The last kit I built was a DX-35 that I got for my 15th birthday. No disrespect to those who enjoy building kits, but, to me, it was kind of boring. I enjoy homebrewing, and I have even started breadboarding circuits in the K1 to learn more about it. I didn't learn much at all from building it. I already knew how to take inventory, solder and use a screwdriver. And I haven't needed to get involved with the construction of my car, my motorcycle, my house or my other ham gear to enjoy them to the fullest. My point isn't to demean those who ENJOY building kits. I can understand where it would be enjoyable for many. My point is to address those who are intimidated by building a kit of the complexity of the K1 or K2. Some don't have the skills and are not interested in developing them. Some don't have the time what with bonding with family and friends. But it would be a shame for them to have to pass on this extraordinary line of radios. I decided kit building was not for me, but the K2 is. I bought one on ebay, had the professional Elecraft builders upgrade it and make it right and I am VERY pleased with the result. I didn't assemble it myself, but that doesn't diminish my enjoyment of this incredible radio one bit. And if I hadn't bought one on ebay, I would have bought a new one and had one of the pro's put it together while I continued to enjoy my K1. If you want to build one, fine. But if you don't, get someone else to do it. Either way, you end up with one of the best radios in its class to enjoy ham radio. And that's the point. Eric KE6US -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2005 6:13 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Should You Built It? Steve, Ron: To echo comments by Kevin and others, you really need to be involved in the construction of your rig. In addition to the other benefits that have been pointed out, I can assure you that you will experience an intangible "bonding" to the radio that will last forever. It's kind of like raising a puppy. Other radios will come and go, but you'll find yourself unable to part with one you built. No amount of money (well, it would take a lot!) can substitute for this feeling, which is the REAL pride of ownership. 73, Jim K5HO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Should You Built It?
I would sell my k2 if I could get ten times what I have in it that way I could buy a few more k2 to put in my project closet and work on one a year till I had a k2 for every room of the house. just my thinking - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2005 9:12 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Should You Built It? > Steve, Ron: > > To echo comments by Kevin and others, you really need to be involved in the > construction of your rig. > > In addition to the other benefits that have been pointed out, I can assure > you that you will experience an intangible "bonding" to the radio that will last > forever. It's kind of like raising a puppy. Other radios will come and go, > but you'll find yourself unable to part with one you built. No amount of > money (well, it would take a lot!) can substitute for this feeling, which is the > REAL pride of ownership. > > 73, Jim K5HO > > > > >>Message: 17 > Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 21:39:56 -0800 > From: Kevin Rock <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Greetings! > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-15 > > By all means, if you have the capability, build the radio. It is a lot > of fun. Then you'll want to build another option for it, and then still > another. It is insidious but you will feel a bit depressed after > finishing your first Elecraft kit. However, remember you can use the rig > for many years. Unless you sell it to finance building a new one. You > will enjoy getting on the air with it. It is a very nice radio. > The best part? You built it yourself! If something goes wrong (heaven > forbid) you can repair it with a cry for help to either the Reflector, > Gary Surrency, or even Wayne or Eric. All of these options are > available. These folks (and us folks too) will not let you fail. Build > it yourself unless your slave driver boss works you 24/7, if you can't see > to the end of your soldering iron, or you were born with two left hands > and tendency toward self-immolation. Barring these disabilities you will > regret not building it yourself. Because one night you will find yourself > checking in to the Elecraft CW Net and hearing the joy in folks' fists. > These folks built their Elecraft rigs and are happily pounding brass in > exultation. Do you wish to feel left out of this chorus of joy? Forbid > the thought; build the rig and enjoy the happy state of flux, solder, and > RF. > Sincerely, >Kevin. KD5ONS > > > On Mon, 28 Mar 2005 23:46:03 -0500, Stephen W. Kercel > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Ron: > > > > Like you, I am taking a bit of time getting ready before I build a rig. > > Preparation, including creating the workspace, collecting the tools and > > so on, is no small task. > > > > Personally, I have never considered "hiring done" the construction of an > > Elecraft rig. It looks to me like the greater half of the experience of > > operating comes from building it with one's own hands. > > > > 73, > > > > Steve > > AA4AK > > > > > > At 10:06 PM 3/28/2005 -0600, you wrote: > >> Wow, I am quite impressed at the responses both on this reflector and > >> direct. I appreciate the info from builders for hire, as well as the > >> encouragement to build it myself. To answer many of your responses, I > >> _am_ > >> considering doing it myself, but it is a matter of time and > >> motivation. > > (remainder deleted to save bandwidth) > > >> --Ron > >> KC0TLN > >> > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Should You Built It?
Steve, Ron: To echo comments by Kevin and others, you really need to be involved in the construction of your rig. In addition to the other benefits that have been pointed out, I can assure you that you will experience an intangible "bonding" to the radio that will last forever. It's kind of like raising a puppy. Other radios will come and go, but you'll find yourself unable to part with one you built. No amount of money (well, it would take a lot!) can substitute for this feeling, which is the REAL pride of ownership. 73, Jim K5HO >>Message: 17 Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 21:39:56 -0800 From: Kevin Rock <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Greetings! To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-15 By all means, if you have the capability, build the radio. It is a lot of fun. Then you'll want to build another option for it, and then still another. It is insidious but you will feel a bit depressed after finishing your first Elecraft kit. However, remember you can use the rig for many years. Unless you sell it to finance building a new one. You will enjoy getting on the air with it. It is a very nice radio. The best part? You built it yourself! If something goes wrong (heaven forbid) you can repair it with a cry for help to either the Reflector, Gary Surrency, or even Wayne or Eric. All of these options are available. These folks (and us folks too) will not let you fail. Build it yourself unless your slave driver boss works you 24/7, if you can't see to the end of your soldering iron, or you were born with two left hands and tendency toward self-immolation. Barring these disabilities you will regret not building it yourself. Because one night you will find yourself checking in to the Elecraft CW Net and hearing the joy in folks' fists. These folks built their Elecraft rigs and are happily pounding brass in exultation. Do you wish to feel left out of this chorus of joy? Forbid the thought; build the rig and enjoy the happy state of flux, solder, and RF. Sincerely, Kevin. KD5ONS On Mon, 28 Mar 2005 23:46:03 -0500, Stephen W. Kercel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Ron: > > Like you, I am taking a bit of time getting ready before I build a rig. > Preparation, including creating the workspace, collecting the tools and > so on, is no small task. > > Personally, I have never considered "hiring done" the construction of an > Elecraft rig. It looks to me like the greater half of the experience of > operating comes from building it with one's own hands. > > 73, > > Steve > AA4AK > > > At 10:06 PM 3/28/2005 -0600, you wrote: >> Wow, I am quite impressed at the responses both on this reflector and >> direct. I appreciate the info from builders for hire, as well as the >> encouragement to build it myself. To answer many of your responses, I >> _am_ >> considering doing it myself, but it is a matter of time and >> motivation. (remainder deleted to save bandwidth) >> --Ron >> KC0TLN >> ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
